Ball with positioning system

ABSTRACT

A ball ( 1 ) for use in a sporting activity can comprise a body having an electrical circuit ( 21 ) on a flexible substrate ( 20 ) received therein. The electrical circuit ( 21 ) comprises a dipole antenna ( 26 ) integrally formed with the electrical circuit ( 21 ) on the flexible substrate ( 20 ). The dipole antenna can comprise two arms ( 23, 24 ) each folded in a semi-circular shape.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority from the followingapplication, incorporated by reference herein: European PatentApplication No. 10155633.0 entitled “BALL WITH POSITIONING SYSTEM ANDPOSITIONING SYSTEM FOR A BALL;” by inventor John Van Driel; filed onMar. 5, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a ball for use in a sporting activity.

BACKGROUND

From US 2009/0137340 a golf ball is known having a tracking system. Amicrochip is embedded in the ball. The microchip can send informationspecific for the location to a receiver of a tracking system. Thisallows the user to track the golf ball.

The electrical system received in the ball, especially a golf ball, willexperience intense shocks. The electrical system should be shockproof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a goal of the invention to provide an improved ball for use in asporting activity.

According to an aspect of the invention an improved ball comprises asubstrate being a flexible substrate, an electrical circuit on theflexible substrate received therein, the electrical circuit comprises adipole antenna integrally formed with the electrical circuit on theflexible substrate, the dipole antenna comprising two arms each foldedin a semi-circular shape. The flexible substrate carries the antenna,making the antenna flexible. The flexible antenna can be connected to afurther electrical circuit. The further electrical circuit can comprisea further substrate, e.g. a ceramic substrate. The semi-circular shapewill result in an antenna radiating omni-directionally.

By forming both the electrical circuit and the antenna on the substratein a single printing step, costs for production are reduced. Furtherforming both the electrical circuit and antenna on a single substrateallows an integral electrical connection between the circuit and theantenna, making a separate connection between the two redundant.

Repeated shock tests resulted in broken electrical circuits in the ball.By replacing the ceramic substrate by a flexible substrate, sport ballsand specifically golf balls proved to be more durable. The substratematerial has a low elastic modulus. In an embodiment the Young's modulusof the flexible substrate material is less than 5 GPa.

In an embodiment the flexible substrate is provided with a slot toreceive the ends of the arms of the dipole antenna. In this arrangementthe arms maintain the semi-circular fold.

In an embodiment the substrate is a polymer, more specifically a liquidcrystalline polymer (LCP). Such substrates are known as such and areavailable from e.g. Rogers Corporation. The polymer substrates cancomprise single or multilayer constructions. A laminate circuit materialcan be adhesiveless.

Further the laminate circuit material can be formed having a specificsurface area. The surface area of the substrate can be cut or punchedinto a desired shape. This specifically allows forming the substrate andcircuit formed thereon to have round shaped to be received in the bodyof the ball. The laminate circuit material can be 50 μm-100 μm thick.Further the printed circuit can be a circuit created from copper. Bothsides of the laminate can be printed. Via's can be used to connect thecircuits formed on both sides.

In an embodiment the flexible substrate or laminate is formed to haveconnectors or engaging elements to allow connecting the substrate withthe interior of the ball. The connector can be a hook like element. Theconnector can be formed by punching the laminate.

In an embodiment the electrical circuit is an antenna.

By forming the antenna on the laminate circuit material the flexiblesubstrate can be punched or cut into a desired surface area, inparticular in the form of the antenna. The antenna preferably comprisesto individual arms. In an embodiment the arms are positioned adjacenteach other. A cut divides the two arms. At the connecting end of thearms (proximal to the circuit) a further (unplated) hole can be formed,e.g. by punching to prevent subsequent tearing of the substrate.

In an embodiment the antenna is folded out of a primary surface of theelectrical circuit. By forming the antenna on the flexible substrate,the antenna is formed in a two dimensional surface. The flexiblesubstrate allows bending of the antenna out of the original or primarysurface of the flexible substrate. By folding a three dimensionalantenna is obtained allowing transmittal of signal in all directions,improving the reception of that signal by a tracking system operated bya user.

In an embodiment the flexible substrate having the antenna comprises aconnector, formed e.g. by punching, for allowing to connect the foldedantenna to another part of the substrate. In an embodiment the substratecomprises the electrical circuit formed on a first surface of thesubstrate. At one end of the first surface the antenna is formed,extending from the first surface. At least a part of the antenna can befolded an connected to an opposite end of the first surface. This allowsfolding the antenna part to a semi-circle. This will increase crosspolarization. Although the cross polarization will influence the quality(gain) of the antenna, a ball such as a golf ball will land in anyorientation to the ground, allowing radiating partly with horizontal andpartly with vertical polarization. This decreases the antenna gain but avertically polarized EM wave does propagate better close to the ground.

In an embodiment the flexible substrate is formed with two arms carryingthe antenna, extending from a first surface having the electricalcircuit. Both arms are folded into a semi-circular shape. This antennacan be formed having a center frequency around 2442 MHz and can functionin a band of 2400 MHz to 2483 MHz.

In an embodiment surface mounted devices (SMD) are mounted on thesubstrate connected to the electrical circuit. An example of a SMD is atransmitter. The transmitter can be a Texas Instruments. Preferably adigital transmitter is used.

In an embodiment the electrical circuit comprises a ID-tag as surfacemounted device. The ID-tag identifies the ball. The ID-tag can be sentwith the signal transmitted by the transmitter in the ball. This allowsdistinguishing one ball from the other or one signal from a signal fromanother ball. In an embodiment a tracking system arranged to receivesignals from the ball according to the invention is programmed toidentify the ID-tag of that ball. This could be a initiation step of themethod to track the ball. The tracking system is put in a ‘initiatetracking’ modus wherein the ball to be tracked is positioned in thedirect vicinity of the tracking system. The tracking system identifiesthe ball and memories the ID-tag. Other methods for ‘programming’ thetracking system to follow a certain ball are also possible.

In an embodiment a battery is connected to the electrical circuit. Thebattery has connectors to connect to the electrical circuit and is alsoreceived in the body of the ball. In an embodiment the connectors areformed as plated holes in the substrate formed during production of theelectrical circuit on the substrate.

In an embodiment the electrical circuit in a hardened foam body such asa polyurethane body. The body surrounds the electrical circuit. The foambody is an internal body of the ball. The foam body allows to fill up athree dimensional space. The body will dampen or absorb shocks exertedon the ball. In an embodiment the foam body with electrical circuit isreceived in a body of PBD surrounded by a hardened coating.

In an embodiment the ball comprises several layers of syntheticmaterials. In an embodiment the ball has a dimpled surface. This ballcan be used as golf ball.

In an embodiment the electrical circuit can comprise an accelerometer ora similar device arranged to detect acceleration of the ball. Detectionof the acceleration results in allowing power to reach the transmitterto send the tracking signal from the ball. This allows saving power whenthe ball is not used.

For determining the position of a ball a positioning system having areceiver is used. The positioning system is a handheld device comprisinga battery. In an embodiment the electronic system within the ball isable to identify its position, e.g. by using the Global PositioningSystem and sending coordinates to the positioning system. In anotherembodiment the positioning system comprises a receiver for receiving anidentification signal from the electronic system received in the ball,the receiver being a directional receiver, able to identify from whichdirection the identification signal was sent. The receiver can compriseat least one directional antenna. Multiple antennas can be used todetermine a distance.

The positioning system can comprise a display to display an imagerepresenting the received signal. The image can be a number. Referenceis made to application NL 2003209, the complete disclosure thereof beingincorporated in this application.

According to a further aspect a method for assembling a ball isprovided. The method comprises providing laminate and preparing thelaminate for printing. The method comprises printing the laminate.Further steps of the method can comprise etching drilling via's andplating via's. Part of printing is forming a electrical circuit andforming the antenna, preferably a dipole antenna.

A subsequent step of the method can comprise punching out or lasermilling along contours the flexible substrate. This will allow to shapethe substrate with electrical circuit and antenna.

The method further comprises picking and placing surface mounted devicesonto the electrical circuit. The SMD's could be soldered.

Subsequently the method can comprise attaching to the substrate abattery.

The step of punching can comprise shaping antenna parts in the form ofarms extending from a first surface of the substrate having theelectrical circuit. These arms can be folded over both sides of thefirst surface in a semi-circular fashion. During the punching step aslot can be formed in the substrate. The antenna arms can be connectedto these slot such that the folded arms maintain the semi-circular fold.

In a further method step the device having the folded arm is received ina mould and a hardening foam is moulded.

Although the invention is described in detail in this application, itwill be clear that many variations are possible within the scope of theinvention. The invention is not limited to the shown embodiments.Further, although a invention is indicated in the claims, thisapplication discloses many technical features comprising improvements ofthe prior art. Any of these features having explicitly or implicitlydisclosed advantages could be the subject of patent protection, perhapsin a subsequent divisional application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described referring to the drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a golf ball according to a firstembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of a flexible circuit to be used in a ball according toan embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a folded flexible circuit according tothe embodiment of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a golf ball 1. A coating ofionomer 2 surrounds a body of PBD in which a moulded body ofpolyurethane (PUR) 4 is received. The PUR 4 is formed into a sphere. Inthe spherical mould a device 5 according to the invention was centered.Foam is injected into the mould (not shown separately) and hardens.Injecting the foam into the mould results in filling up all or generallyall spaces surrounding the device 5. The PUR 4 forms a protective coversurrounding the device 5. It will absorb shocks.

The device 5 comprises a first surface 6. Onto a first side 7 of thedevice 5 surface mounted device (SMD) 8-10 are mounted. In an embodimentSMD 8 is a Texas Instruments CC2550 arranged to perform transmitterfunctions. A further SMD 9 could be a microcontroller. Another SMD 10could be a FET.

The substrate 6 is a flexible substrate such as a liquid crystallinepolymer available from Rogers corporation sold under the trademark nameULTRALAM® 3850. The flexible substrate 6 allows folding of partsthereof.

An electrical circuit can be formed on either or both sides 7,11 of thesurface 6. Via's can be formed through the substrate connecting theformed circuits at both sides.

A battery 14 is also connected to the substrate and electric circuitformed on the substrate. The battery 14 has connectors 13. In FIG. 1connector 13 passes through a plated slot to make a connection with theelectrical circuit formed on the substrate 6.

The transmitter device of substrate, antenna, battery and SMDs has acenter of gravity. This center of gravity is determined mostly by thebattery. The center of gravity is positioned in the middle of a mould tobe filled with the foam such a PUR to surround the transmitter device.In an embodiment an additional hole is provided in the first surface toallow air present between battery and substrate to escape and to allowfoam to penetrate into this space.

FIG. 2 shows a flexible substrate 20 having an electrical circuit 21.The substrate 20 is formed from a laminate such as a liquid crystallinepolymer, and was shaped as a result of punching or laser milling. Theflexible substrate allows bending of the substrate and (part of) theelectric circuitry.

A first circular surface of the substrate 20 has the electricalcircuitry 21. At one end 22 two arms 23,24 of the flexible substrateextend towards end 25. On the arms 23,24 parts of antenna 26 are printedto form a dipole antenna. The arms 23,24 are separated by a cut 27. Thecut 27 ends in an unplated hole 28 preventing further tearing of cut 27.

Near end 25 arms 23,24 are provided with cuts 29,30 forming hook likeconnectors.

Circuit 21 comprises shaded parts. These shaded parts comprise SMDs. SMD34 is a transmitter. The transmitter 34 will be connected to theconnectors 35. Connecting can comprise soldering. In this embodimentSMDs 30-32 are MOSI, SCK and MISO respectively. A reset 33 is alsoindicated. A microcontroller 36 is indicated. Further SMDs compriseresistors and capacitors. Electrical connectors and vias are alsoindicated schematically.

Substrate 20 comprises a slot 40 formed by punching. The slot 40 canreceive the hooks formed by cuts 29,30 at end 25 of arms 23,24. Arms23,24 can be folded, as indicated by the dotted lines, as a result ofusing the flexible substrate.

FIG. 3 shows the device 5 in folded state. Arms 23,24 are foldedsemi-circular.

Electrical circuit 21 further comprises plates slots (or holes) 38,39formed for receiving a connector of the battery.

The folded antenna allows sending an identification signal in alldirections. The identification signal comprises a representation of theunique ID-tag. The signal can be received by a positioning system thatcan identify the signal, and if arranged with a directional antenna, canlocate the ball with electronic circuit. The received signal and itsposition can be interpreted in a processor of the handheld positioningsystem and the interpreted data can be represented on a display of thepositioning system allowing a user to know the location of the ball.

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball (1) for use in a sporting activitycomprising a body having an electrical circuit (21) on a flexiblesubstrate (20) received therein, the electrical circuit (21) comprises adipole antenna (26) completely integrally formed with the electricalcircuit (21) on the flexible substrate (20), the dipole antennacomprising two arms (23, 24) each folded in a semi-circular shape,wherein the flexible substrate is provided with a slot (40) to receivethe ends (25) of the arms (23,24) of the dipole antenna.
 2. The ballaccording to claim 1, wherein the flexible substrate (20) is a laminate.3. The ball according to according to claim 1, wherein the substrate(20) is punched.
 4. The ball according to according to claim 1, whereinthe substrate (20) is formed having connectors (38, 39, 40).
 5. The ballaccording to claim 4, wherein the antenna (23) is folded out of aprimary surface of the electrical circuit (21).
 6. The ball according toaccording to claim 1, wherein surface mounted devices (30, 31, 32, 34)are mounted on the substrate and connected to the electrical circuit. 7.The ball according to claim 6, wherein the electrical circuit comprisesa transmitter (34) as surface mounted device.
 8. The ball according toclaim 6, wherein the electrical circuit comprises an identification (ID)tag (36) as surface mounted device.
 9. The ball according to accordingto claim 1, wherein a battery (13) is connected to the electricalcircuit.
 10. The ball according to according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical circuit (21) and substrate (20) is received in a body ofpolyurethane (4).
 11. The ball according to according to claim 1,wherein the electrical circuit (21) is received in a hardened foam body(4) received in a body of power distribution board (PBD) (3) surroundedby a hardened coating (2).
 12. The ball according to according to claim1, wherein the ball (1) comprises several layers of synthetic materials.13. The ball according to according to claim 1 having a dimpled surface(2).